John Hughes
Looks like it hasn't been released yet.

Jeff C. Author
Thanks. It just seems strange that it isn't available for pre-order anywhere. I know companies announce kits and don't follow through on the manufacturing. I hope this one gets released. I have the Italeri and ADV/ Azimut AB41 kits. Both unbuilt. I really want the AB41 and AB40 from Lanmo Model. I definitely don't need them, but that won't stop me from buying them.

Herr Migraenz
Wait out a bit, the box art is in so we're pretty much guaranteed to see this in stores soon

Jeff C. Author
Another kit that was announced and supposed to be released by Zimi Models, is the Beobachtungswagen auf Lorraine chassis. It was announced at the beginning of 2024. Still no kit.

Herr Migraenz
He-111 and B-17 were announced around that time by Border Model as well, yet we got box art for Heinkel only recently with nothing more to it. You know, a lot of things can be going on behind the lines. Zimi, AKA Panda Hobby, has been going through some commercial and managerial shenanigans which can explain the delays. Some models take longer due to extensive design and advisor aid, as it happened with Dragon and their tigers - they got literally one of the best "Tiger guys", David Byrden, to assist and it paid off rather massively (still no proper tracks though...). One of the worst examples would be Trumpeter's FAMO - 4 years between the initial announcement and the release of 2 FAMO VARIANTS - not the actual truck!

What I'm saying is, just gather your patience. As you know, our little (so little, my stash is about to spillover from box room into the living room, to my gal's undoubtedly immeasurable joy) hobby bears no haste, whether it's the build or anxious anticipation for another kit we are so eager to stuff into our ever bloating stashes. If I had to take a wild guess, this one should be available around august but don't quote me on that!

Jeff C. Author
Thanks for your insight. You are correct. I have so many kits that I'll never build. I really do need to be more patient. I appreciate the feedback. Take care. My wife just stopped caring about the stash and started buying workout shoes for every workout outfit she has. She probably has as many shoes as I have kits. lol

Herr Migraenz
My wife is into perfumes and dresses, she too has a stash of her own!

Nigel
I wish my wife was so easily deflected.

Herr Migraenz
Mine is best kept at bay employing other means, but I'd rather not specify what they are to prevent getting booted off the site

pluto455
This model of the AB 41, from the Chinese Lamno model. On their site I saw that you can buy the complete interior separately. It will be more accurate than the AB 40 and AB41 Italeri. I wonder if they bought the molds from Italeri, what do you think?

F Matthews
No way they are using the Italeri molds. These look far better, just wish they were available.

Herr Migraenz
Who'd buy molds from Italeri in this day and age? Although I'm staying vigilant with Lanmo. BA-64 is such a letdown

pluto455
I'm Italian, I know that Italeri molds are almost always a disappointment. Unfortunately, only they build Italian vehicles. What problems did the BA 64 from Lamno model have? Thanks

Herr Migraenz
Pluto, I've written a little review for BA-64 here BA-64B (LANMO Model MM35003, 1:35)
If you ever contemplated buying, it may aid a little.
Yeah, that is my biggest problem with Italeri kits - absence of alternatives! I love Semovente, in all shape and forms, but this affection comes at a price indeed...

pluto455
Thank Herr

Nigel
I think this is all enough to put me off the Autoblinda, if LANMO are so shonky. there's a ton of great models out there (and in my stash) that don't need to be fought.

Herr Migraenz
Nigel, realistically, all we can do is wait and see (duh). I truly wish this one will be revised and polished before mass production, not gonna preorder it before I get to inspect the kit at my local hobby shop either. You're also correct in that we both harbour fatty stashes, full to the brim with truly remarkable kits waiting to be build, we'll live if this one flops. But by God - I hope It doesn't...

Jeff C. Author
I was on the Lanmo Models' Facebook page and the last bit of news they posted was that they were running into problems with the design of the kit. Originally pre-orders were supposed to be taken in March. This hasn't happened yet.

pluto455
I emailed Lamno Model to find out when the AB 41 armored car model will be available. Here's their reply: Hi, we're very happy to hear from you. There were some initial issues with the product, but we've been working hard to resolve them. You'll find the latest updates in October.

Jeff C. Author
Thank you. I really want the AB40 and AB41 kits. Looking forward to some good news.

pluto455
Second response from Lamno Models: Indeed, we have designed and produced several Italian armored vehicles and tanks! Since the AB series is not in production, other products are on the back burner. Subsequent products will be released more quickly.

pluto455
I hope they at least produce a model of the AB 41 and then the AB 40. I'd like to read reviews of this model. I don't want it to be as poorly made as the Lamno Models BA 64 model. I'm waiting for reviews.

Jeff C. Author
I read all of the bad reviews on the BA64. I hope that these AB kits are not bad kits. They have so much potential. I have the Italeri and ADV Azimut AB41 kits. They both leave a lot to be desired.

Jeff C. Author
What really bothers me is that there are no major US manufacturers of Armor kits. Everything has to be imported. Monogram was the last US manufacturer that was even close to mainstream. I guess that importing kits and paying the tariffs (at least in the US) is cheaper than paying for R&D and labor and manufacturing them here.

pluto455
I've read testimonials on various Italian forums from people who wanted to work for Italeri, and they wrote this: "I live near the Italeri factory and often buy from them when the models are on sale. Italeri is improving its quality, but it needs to invest more if it wants to get back to its current levels. Italeri faces heavy competition from Asian companies that produce models at lower prices than its own."

pluto455
Happy Holidays everyone. I saw pictures of the model under construction and the finished products on Lamno Models' Facebook page. I'm wondering who distributes this company here in Italy?

pluto455
On the Lamno Models website, I saw the first image of the engine of the Italian L6/40 light tank. I think, if I'm not mistaken, it's still in the design phase. Italeri is also re-releasing the L6/40 this year. I wonder what the Lanmo Models L6/40 tank will be like? Will it be better? I hope they include the interior in the box, since it's a small tank.

Nigel
I like the way the tyres build up and the inclusion of metal barrels. Should obviate the need for any third party additions.

Jeff C. Author
I finally got the AB-41 today. It's a nice kit. There are some photo-etch and 3D printed items included. At one point the builder is required to add rivets that are on the sprues. I'm not sure if I like that. All-in-all, it's a nice kit.

Nigel
I've a few kits that include bolts on sprues. Sometimes it's just not possible to get them well moulded otherwise, depending on the geometry of the surface.

Jeff C. Author
For this ancient modeler, those add on bolts are somewhat of a tall task. lol

pluto455
I don't understand Lanmo Models's decision to make the tires with multiple layers or sandwich construction, rather than two pieces to be glued together? Miniart used to make the wheels in layers on its models. On the latest German Opel Blitz trucks, they abandoned this method and produced the tires in two pieces. What do you think?

Nigel
I guess it depends on the complexity of the tread and where the seam lines fall.

Jeff C. Author
I started the Das Werk Vomag and the tires were also that way. After the second tire I messed up, I bought a set of aftermarket tires.

Jeff C. Author
I have a set of Panzer Art Pirelli wheels/ tires for the Italeri kit. The main point is to follow the directions exactly, step by step.

pluto455
Jeff, I ordered both Lamno model, AB 40 and AB 41 with both interiors, from an Italian model-making website. They'll arrive perhaps in June. With the ongoing war in Iran, it will take longer. Which Chinese seller did you order your model from? Have I read reviews where the models don't reach customers or arrive destroyed? Thanks.

Jeff C. Author
I ordered the AB 41 from a merchant called Wonderland and the AB40 from Military_model_storm. It took less than a month for them to arrive. I have gotten many items from Wonderland and have never had a problem with them. This is the first time buying from Military_model_storm and I am completely satisfied. Both cost about US $40.00 each, including tax and shipping.

pluto455
Grazie mille

Jeff C. Author
Prego

pluto455
Jeff, sorry to bother you, I have a question: I also ordered the interiors in addition to the Lamno Model AB 40 and 41 models. Why didn't you order the interiors too? Thanks and have a good evening.

Jeff C. Author
No bother at all. I don't build interiors. I just don't like fussing with them. I don't have enough time to build all of the kits I have now, let alone put interiors in them. lol Take care.

pluto455
Molto cortese Jeff buona giornata.